Chelsea are reportedly lining up a summer move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite—a towering 6ft 5in centre-back—amid ongoing transfer chatter and a need to bolster their defensive cover.
According to sources cited by Si Phillips, Chelsea’s summer transfer plans are already taking shape as the club seeks a new centre-back to address defensive uncertainties. With question marks hanging over the futures of players like Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobah—and concerns over Wesley Fofana’s injury proneness, as well as whispers about Tosin Adarabioyo—the club is exploring various options. Among the names mentioned on multiple occasions are Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen, as well as Benfica’s Tomas Araujo and Antonio Silva. Interest in Marc Guehi remains, with the club expected to re-evaluate his price in the summer. Other less likely targets include Ruben Dias of Manchester City and Leny Yoro of Manchester United.
However, the standout target that has re-emerged on Chelsea’s radar is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. Standing at 6ft 5in, Branthwaite is seen as a dominant presence in defence and is considered one of the more realistic options to be acquired. Despite being under contract at Everton until 2027 (with an option for an additional year), industry insiders believe that Branthwaite is poised for a big move this summer, with Everton expected to be willing to cash in on him amid strong interest from other clubs.
